Introduction to Makeup II – Makeup Tools SS1 Beauty & Cosmetology Lesson Note

The “Base” Products (Preparing the Canvas)

Before we add color, we have to prepare the skin. If the base is rough, the makeup will “cake” or peel off.

• Primer: This is a clear gel or cream. It “fills in” the pores and makes the skin smooth. It acts like glue to hold the makeup all day.
• Foundation: This comes in liquid, cream, or powder. Its job is to make the skin tone look even. Tip: Always test foundation on the jawline, not the back of your hand!
• Concealer: This is like a “thick foundation.” We use it only on small spots, dark circles under the eyes, or pimples that the foundation couldn’t hide.
• Setting Powder: A loose or pressed powder used to “lock” the liquid foundation so it doesn’t move or get oily.

The “Color” Products (Adding Life)

Once the skin looks smooth, we add color to make the face look alive and three-dimensional.

• Eyebrow Pencil/Filler: In Nigeria, we love neat brows! Used to define the shape of the eyebrows.
• Eyeshadow: Colors for the eyelids.
• Eyeliner & Mascara: Black or brown liquids used to make the eyes look bigger and the lashes look longer.
• Blush: Pink, orange, or reddish powder for the cheeks to make the client look healthy and young.
• Lipstick/Lip Gloss: To add color and shine to the lips.

The Essential Tools (The “Application” Kit)

How you apply the product is just as important as the product itself.

The Brushes:

• Foundation Brush: Usually flat or “kabuki” style for spreading liquid makeup.
• Powder Brush: Big and fluffy. Used to dust powder lightly over the face.
• Angled Brush: Very thin and sharp. Used for drawing eyebrows or eyeliner.
• Blending Brush: A small, soft brush for the eyes to make sure there are no “harsh lines” between colors.

The Sponges:

• Beauty Blender: A teardrop-shaped sponge.
  1. Pro Tip: Always use it damp (wet it and squeeze out the water). A dry sponge will just “drink” your expensive foundation!

The “Finishing” Tools

• Eyelash Curler: A metal tool that gently bends the lashes upwards.
• Spoolie: A brush that looks like a mascara wand. It is used to brush the eyebrow hairs into place.
• Setting Spray: A mist you spray on the face at the very end. It’s like “hairbrush for the face”—it stops the makeup from rubbing off on clothes.

Tool Hygiene: The Professional’s Secret

Dirty brushes are the fastest way to give your client pimples or eye infections. You must be disciplined!

• Daily Cleaning: Use a “Quick Dry” spray or a baby wipe to clean brushes between different clients.
• Deep Wash: Once a week, wash all your brushes and sponges with warm water and a mild soap (like baby shampoo).
• Drying: Lay your brushes flat on a towel to dry. Never stand them up in a cup while wet, or the water will enter the handle and rot the wood/glue!

Summary: The “Must-Have” Starter Kit

If you are starting your business today, you don’t need everything. Start with:

1. A good Foundation palette (with dark and light shades to mix).
2. A 5-piece Brush Set.
3. A pack of Beauty Sponges.
4. Setting Powder.
5. One Black Eyeliner and a Nude/Red Lipstick.

Class Practical Activity:

• The “Texture” Feel: I will pass round three types of brushes (Fluffy, Flat, and Angled). Each student will feel the bristles and guess which part of the face they are meant for.

The Sponge Experiment: We will take two sponges. We will use one dry and one damp to apply a drop of foundation on a piece of paper. We will see which one spreads better and which one wastes more product.